Current management of common bile duct stones in a teaching community hospital

The advent of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has complicated management of common bile duct (CBD) stones. While LC is routine, laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) is not, and an algorithm to manage suspected choledocholithiasis has not been uniformly accepted. We evaluated current management of choledocholithiasis. Patients suspected of having CBD stones over a 2-year period were evaluated, and 42 studies in the literature were reviewed. Thirty-two patients were identified. Fourteen patients (44%) had LC with intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) with no preoperative studies. IOC revealed CBD stones in nine (64%). Seven had CBD exploration (CBDE) at cholecystectomy, and two had postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). CBDE was successful in five cases, and ERCP was successful in one. Eighteen patients (56%) underwent preoperative ERCP. Five (28%) had no CBD stones. ERCP removed stones in nine patients, and four had open CBDE after failed ERCP. Current literature supports LC with IOC without any preoperative studies. Laparoscopic CBDE is highly successful but depends on surgeon experience. Removing CBD stones with ERCP is also very successful but is associated with increased cost, hospital stay, and complications. We conclude that LC with IOC should be performed without preoperative ERCP when choledocholithiasis is suspected. If found, stones should be removed laparoscopically if possible.     

Incidence of residual choledocholithiasis detected by intraoperative cholangiography at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients having undergone preoperative ERCP

Introduction  The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of residual common bile duct (CBD) stones after preoperative ERCP for choledocholithiasis and to evaluate the utility of routine intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in this patient population. Methods  All patients who underwent preoperative ERCP and interval LC with IOC from 5/96 to 12/05 were reviewed under an Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved protocol. Data collected included all radiologic imaging, laboratory values, clinical and pathologic diagnoses, and results of preoperative ERCP and LC with IOC. Standard statistical analyses were used with significance set at p < 0.05. Results  A total of 227 patients (male:female 72:155, mean age 51.9 years) underwent preoperative ERCP for suspicion of choledocholithiasis. One hundred and eighteen patients were found to have CBD stones on preoperative ERCP, and of these, 22 had choledocholithiasis diagnosed on IOC during LC. However, two patients had residual stones on completion cholangiogram after ERCP and were considered to have retained stones. Therefore, 20 patients overall were diagnosed with either interval passage of stones into the CBD or a false-negative preoperative ERCP. In the 109 patients without CBD stones on preoperative ERCP, nine patients had CBD stones on IOC during LC, an 8.3% incidence of interval passage of stones or false-negative preoperative ERCP. In both groups, there was no correlation (p > 0.05) between an increased incidence of CBD stones on IOC and a longer time interval between ERCP and LC, performance of sphincterotomy, incidence of cystic duct stones, or pathologic diagnosis of cholelithiasis. Conclusions  The overall incidence of retained or newly passed CBD stones on IOC during LC after a preoperative ERCP is 12.9%. Although the natural history of residual CBD stones after preoperative ERCP is not known, the routine use of IOC should be considered in patients with CBD stones on preoperative ERCP undergoing an interval LC.     

Cost-effective management of common bile duct stones

Background: There are a variety of approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Methods: Decision modeling was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of four strategies for managing CBD stones around the time of LC: (a) routine preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) (preoperative ERCP), (b) LC with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), followed by laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCDE), (c) LC with IOC, followed by ERCP (postoperative ERCP), and (d) expectant management (LC without any tests for CBD stones). Local hospital data were used to estimate costs. Cost-effectiveness was expressed in terms of the cost per case of residual CBD stones prevented (in excess of the cost of LC alone). Diagnostic test characteristics, procedure success rates, and adverse event probabilities were derived from a systematic review of the literature. Sensitivity analysis was used to explore the effect of uncertainty on the results of the model. Results: LC alone was the least costly strategy, but it was also the least effective. Of the more aggressive strategies, LCDE and preoperative ERCP were associated with marginal costs of $5993.60 and $299,259.35, respectively, per case of residual CBD stones prevented. Postoperative ERCP was more costly and less effective than LCDE, but it had a lower cost-effectiveness ratio than preoperative ERCP when the prevalence of CBD stones was < 80%. CONCLUSIONS: COMPARED TO OTHER COMMON APPROACHES, LAPAROSCOPIC CBD EXPLORATION IS A COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD OF MANAGING CBD STONES IN PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO LC. IF EXPERTISE IN LCDE IS UNAVAILABLE, SELECTIVE POSTOPERATIVE ERCP IS PREFERRED OVER ROUTINE PREOPERATIVE ERCP, UNLESS THE PROBABILITY OF CBD STONES IS VERY HIGH (>80%).     

Routine intraoperative cholangiography during laparoscopic cholecystectomy minimizes unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in children

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the necessity for intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) during pediatric laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). METHODS: A retrospective review of 100 consecutive patients undergoing LC was conducted. RESULTS: Ninety-eight children underwent successful LC. The average age was 11.3 years. IOC was successful in 55 of 63 studies. Operating time for patients with IOC averaged 91 minutes, and without IOC, 67 minutes. Twenty children had preoperative ultrasound, laboratory, or clinical evidence of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Fifteen of these 20 children actually had CBD stones. Three additional children who lacked any ultrasound, clinical, or laboratory evidence of choledocholithiasis had unsuspected CBD stones. Eight children, therefore, had ultrasound, clinical, or laboratory findings not predictive of the actual state of the CBD. Sixteen children underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), 9 preoperatively and 7 postoperatively. Four preoperative ERCP studies showed no CBD stones. There were no complications from performing IOC. CONCLUSIONS: (1) CBD stones are common in children with gallstones, (18 of 100 patients). (2) Preoperative studies and clinical findings may not predict accurately the presence or absence of CBD stones. (3) IOC should be routinely performed in children before the use of ERCP to avoid unnecessary ERCP unless CBD stones are specifically visualized by ultrasound scan. J Pediatr Surg 36:881-884.     

Cholecystectomy without operative cholangiography. Implications for common bile duct injury and retained common bile duct stones.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the selective use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while minimizing the use of operative cholangiography. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There has been a long-standing debate between routine and selective operative cholangiography that has resurfaced with LC. METHODS: Prospective data were collected on the first 1300 patients undergoing LC at McGill University. Preoperative indications for ERCP were recorded, radiologic findings were standardized, and technical points for a safe LC were emphasized. RESULTS: A total of 106 patients underwent 127 preoperative ERCPs. Fifty patients were found to have choledocholithiasis (3.8%), and clearance of the common bile duct (CBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy was achieved in 45 patients. The other five patients underwent open cholecystectomy with common duct exploration. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was attempted in only 54 patients (4.2%), 6 of whom demonstrated choledocholithiasis. Forty-nine postoperative ERCPs were performed in 33 patients and stones were detected in 17 (1.3%), with a median follow-up time of 22 months. Endoscopic duct clearance was successful in all of these. The incidence of CBD injury was 0.38%, and a policy of routine operative cholangiography might only have led to earlier recognition of duct injury in one case. The rate of complication for all ERCPs was 9% and the associated median duration of the hospital stay was 4 days. The median duration of the hospital stay after open CBD exploration was 13 days. CONCLUSIONS: LC can be performed safely without routine IOC. The selective use of preoperative and postoperative ERCP will clear the CBD of stones in 92.5% of patients.     

Management of Preoperatively Suspected Choledocholithiasis: A Decision Analysis

Background  The management of symptomatic or incidentally discovered common bile duct (CBD) stones is still controversial. Of patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis, 5–15% will also harbor CBD stones, and those with symptoms suggestive of choledocholithiasis will have an even higher incidence. Options for treatment include preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with sphincterotomy (ERCP/ES) followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiogram (LC/IOC), followed by either laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) or placement of a common bile duct double-lumen catheter with postoperative management. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the optimal management of such patients. Methods  A decision analysis was performed to analyze the management of patients with suspected common bile duct stones. The basic choice was between preoperative ERCP/ES followed by LC, LC/IOC followed by LCBDE, or common duct double-lumen catheter (Fitzgibbons tube) placement with either expectant management or postoperative ERCP/ES. Data on morbidity and mortality was obtained from the literature. Sensitivity analysis was done varying the incidence of positive CBD stones on IOC with associated morbidity and mortality. Results  One-stage management of symptomatic CBD stones with LC/LCBDE is associated with less morbidity and mortality (7% and 0.19%) than two-stage management utilizing preoperative ERCP/ES (13.5% and 0.5%). Sensitivity analysis shows that there is an increase in morbidity and mortality for LC/LCBDE as the incidence of positive IOC increases but are still less than two-stage management even with a 100% positive IOC (9.4%, 0.5%). If a double-lumen catheter is to be used for positive IOC, the morbidity would be higher than two-stage management only if the positive IOC incidence is more than 65% but still with no mortality. Conclusion  LCBDE has lower morbidity and mortality rates compared to preoperative ERCP/ES in the management of patients with suspected CBD stones even if the chance of CBD stones reaches 100%. Using a common duct double-lumen catheter may be considered if LCBDE is not feasible and the chance of CBD stone is less than 65%. Presented in part at the 49th Annual Meeting of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract [Poster Session], San Diego, CA, May 17–21, 2008     

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography accurately detects common bile duct stones in resolving gallstone pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: There is controversy about the optimal method to detect common bile duct (CBD) stones in patients with mild resolving gallstone pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in detecting choledocholithiasis in this group of patients. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective randomized trial was conducted. Patients randomized to group 1 (n = 34) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). Those randomized to group 2 (n = 29) had preoperative MRCP, of these, patients with negative MRCP underwent LC and IOC, patients with positive MRCP had preoperative ERCP followed by LC. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were randomized (34 to group 1 and 29 to group 2). CBD stones were found in 5 patients in group 1. CBD exploration was performed in 2 patients, preoperative ERCP in 1, and postoperative ERCP in the other 2. MRCP showed CBD stones in 4 patients in group 2. There were two false-positive MRCPs. Four patients with a negative MRCP did not have IOC or ERCP, the remaining 21 patients with a negative MRCP had a negative IOC. The MRCP sensitivity was 100% (95% CI, 16-100%), specificity 91% (95% CI, 72-99%), positive predictive value 50% (95% CI, 7-93%), negative predictive value 100% (95% CI, 84-100%), and accuracy 92% (95% CI, 74-99%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with resolving gallstone pancreatitis and a negative MRCP do not need preoperative ERCP or IOC. Only patients with a positive MRCP will require preoperative ERCP.     

Single-stage definitive laparoscopic management in mild acute biliary pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Population-based studies have shown that nearly one third of patients with acute biliary pancreatitis undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) before undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) (two-stage approach). The present study was designed to evaluate the safety of single-stage laparoscopic management to avoid preoperative ERCP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1998 and June 2002, 35 female patients and 10 male patients (median age, 59 years) with uncomplicated mild acute biliary pancreatitis were studied prospectively and reviewed retrospectively. LC with fluoroscopic intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) or with fluoroscopic IOC and laparoscopic CBD exploration in cases of concomitant choledocholithiasis was performed as the definitive treatment (single-stage approach). Patients underwent surgery electively when symptoms had subsided and laboratory parameters had improved. RESULTS: LC alone was performed in 39 patients, and an additional laparoscopic CBD exploration was performed in the remaining six. In one patient, IOC yielded a false-positive result. CBD stones were detected in four cases, and debris in the CBD in one case, for an 11% incidence of concomitant choledocholithiasis. The conversion rate was zero, and single-stage laparoscopic treatment was successful in all cases. The overall morbidity rate was 4%. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was zero. CONCLUSION: Although preoperative ERCP and sphincterotomy still have a role in complicated cases of mild acute biliary pancreatitis, laparoscopic single-stage definitive treatment is feasible and safe in uncomplicated cases of disease when local experience is available.     

Effect of intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy on outcome after gallstone pancreatitis

Acute gallstone pancreatitis has traditionally been managed by early cholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiography (IOC). To evaluate the effect of IOC on patient outcome, we analyzed all patients operated on for acute gallstone pancreatitis at our institution over a 3-year period. A total of 200 patients (37 open, 163 laparoscopic) were evaluated. Nineteen of 34 patients who underwent preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were found to have common bile duct (CBD) stones. The 59 patients who underwent cholecystectomy with IOC had significantly longer operative times compared to the 141 patients who underwent cholecystectomy alone (167 vs. 105 minutes for open [P= 0.008] and 89 vs. 68 minutes for laparoscopic [P< 0.0001] operations). Of the 59 patients who underwent IOC, only nine (15%) had abnormal cholangiograms, and CBD exploration in seven revealed stones in four patients, edematous ampullae in two, and no abnormality in one. Six of eight patients (5 IOC, 3 no IOC) who required immediate postoperative ERCP were noted to have CBD stones. Patients who underwent IOC had significantly longer postoperative hospital stays (3.8 vs. 2.0 days [P= 0.007]). The incidence of retained CBD stones following surgery was similar (5.1% IOC, 2.8% no IOC). Although 7 of 122 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy without IOC were readmitted, only one was found on ERCP to have a retained CBD stone. Age, sex, preoperative days, procedure type, and biliary-pancreatic complications after discharge did not differ significantly between patients with and without IOC. We conclude that IOC in patients operated on for acute gallstone pancreatitis results in a longer operative time and a prolonged postoperative course, but has no effect on the incidence of retained CBD stones. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southern California Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Huntington Beach, California, January 21–23, 2000.     

Intravenous cholangiography,ERCP, and selective operative cholangiography in the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Between March 1990 and March 1993 some 822 consecutive patients underwent an attempt at laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Intravenous cholangiography (IVC), ERCP, and selective intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) were used in the evaluation of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Two hundred thirteen patients (26%) were identified preoperatively with either abnormal liver functions or a dilated common bile duct suggestive of CBD stones. IVC was performed in 143 patients (67%). Choledocholithiasis was identified in 14 patients (10%). Preoperative therapeutic ERCP was successful in all 14 patients (100%). Diagnostic ERCP was attempted in 61 patients and successful in 59 (97%). Choledocholithiasis was identified in 25 patients (41%). Successful extraction was accomplished in 23 patients (92%). Transcystic common bile duct exploration was used effectively in the patients with an unsuccessful ERCP. IOC was attempted in 50 patients and successful in 48 (96%). Choledocholithiasis was identified in three (6%). A retained CBD stone was present in eight patients (1%). There was one level I CBD injury (0.122%). The use of IVC, selective ERCP, and selective IOC is a reasonable approach in the performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.     

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy after the learning curve: what should we expect?

Background: The introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in the late 1980s was accompanied an increase in common bile duct (CBD) injuries. This retrospective analysis of 2,005 cholecystectomies performed at a single institution investigates the factors that have contributed to a record of zero CBD injuries in 1,674 consecutive LC. Methods: The medical records of 1,285 consecutive patients operated on from 7 July 1996 to 6 June 2003 were obtained. We also examined the peer review records of an additional 720 LC performed between 1 January 1990 and 7 July 1996. Results: There were no CBD injuries among 1,674 consecutive LC patients spanning the period since 1990. Of the 954 patients who underwent LC since 1996, six had a cystic duct leak and five had a duct of Luschka leak. Intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was performed in 20.2% of cases (n = 193/954). Seventy of 157 patients who underwent cholangiography alone demonstrated one or more stones in the CBD (44.6%). In 40 patients (58.0%), endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) was uniformly successful in clearing intraoperatively identified stones. In36.2% of cases, the stones were removed via laparoscopic CBD exploration (CBDE) (n = 25). In 5.8% of positive cases, the stones were removed via open CBDE (n = 4). Among 761 patients who did not undergo IOC, seven patients (0.92%) returned to the hospital for retained stones. Three of these patients had elevated liver function tests (LFT) preoperatively (1.3%) and four had normal LFT (1.1%). Conclusions: Injuries of the CBD can be avoided by performing an extensive dissection of the triangle of Calot and by developing a critical view of the operative field to ensure the patient’s safety during LC. If all LFT are normal and IOC is not performed, the occurrence of clinically significant stones postoperatively is minimal; in this group, only four patients had retained stones. Thus, in the face of normal LFT, routine IOC is unnecessary for a low CBD injury rate, and a return to the hospital for retained bile duct stones is rarely required, regardless of the number of times ductal stones are found on routine cholangiography. This implies that the significance of the stones discovered at IOC is questionable in most cases, thereby providing an argument against routine cholangiography. Most discovered CBD stones can be treated by ERCP, thus obviating the need for the T-tube drainage associated with CBDE. The 21st century finds LC to be a mature and safe surgical procedure.     

Must ERCP Be routinely performed if choledocholithiasis is suspected?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis and treatment of those patients suspected of harboring bile duct stones before laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,235 consecutive LCs performed between 1991 and 1997 were studied prospectively. ERCP was performed to explore the common bile duct (CBD) preoperatively when choledocholithiasis was suspected on the basis of clinical, analytical or echographical data. RESULTS: ERCPs were performed in 268 patients: unsuccessful CBD evaluation in 3%; dilated CBD without lithiasis in 13%, and normal exploration in 37% (99 patients). CBD stones were found in 46% (124 patients), and endoscopic sphincterotomy was then performed and stone extraction attempted. Endoscopic therapy achieved 92.8% successful removal of CBD stones (115 patients). There was no ERCP-related mortality and the morbidity rate was 6%. Retained CBD stones have been observed in 7 cases after ERCP-LC; all of them have been successfully treated by ERCP. CONCLUSIONS: A combined approach to bile duct stones with selective use of ERCP followed by LC is a good therapeutical alternative. Nevertheless, the usual selection criteria for ERCP may lead to unnecessary exploration. It appears to be necessary to modify the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. Copyright Copyright 1999 S.Karger AG, Basel     

ERCP,cholangiography, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Summary With the increased use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the roles of preoperative ERCP and intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) may be changing. SAGES members were surveyed to define opinions regarding use of ERCP and cholangiography during LC. Thirty-seven percent of the surveys were returned. Most respondents (83%) performed LC, reporting data on 19,747 LCs. Conversion to open cholecystectomy was required in 4% of cases. Complications were reported in 1.7% patients. IOC was attempted in 51.2% cases and was successful in 73%. Routine IOC was only recommended by approximately 50% of respondents. However, 80% recommended IOC for patients with multiple small gallstones and a dilated cystic duct. If preoperative liver function tests (LFTs) were mildly elevated (1.5×normal), only 56% of respondents recommended preoperative ERCP. However, 73% of respondents suggested preoperative ERCP for more severe LFT abnormalities. If preoperative ERCP demonstrated choledocholithiasis, most (85%) recommended endoscopic clearance of stones followed by LC. These opinions will be helpful in establishing practice standards for LC.Presented at The Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons Scientific Meeting, Washington, D.C., April 1992     

Preoperative versus postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and common bile duct (CBD) stone extraction should be performed routinely before surgery or'selectively after surgery in patients with mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The role and timing of ERCP in mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis remains controversial. Routine preoperative ERCP identifies persisting CBD stones but carries risks of complications and may delay definitive care. Selective postoperative ERCP, performed only if a CBD stone is seen on intraoperative cholangiography (IOC), avoids unnecessary ERCP but risks unsuccessful stone extraction. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study of consecutive patients with gallstone pancreatitis was conducted. Using previously determined criteria, patients with acute cholangitis or necrotizing pancreatitis were excluded. Patients considered at high risk for persisting CBD stones (CBD size > or =8 mm on admission ultrasound, serum total bilirubin > or = 1.7 mg/dL, or serum amylase > or = 150 U/L on hospital day 4) were randomly assigned to routine preoperative ERCP followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, or laparoscopic cholecystectomy with selective postoperative ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy only if a CBD stone was present on IOC. Primary end points were costs, length of hospital stay, and the combined treatment failure rates (failure of diagnostic ERCP and IOC, complications of ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy, and complications of surgery). RESULTS: One hundred fifty-four consecutive patients with gallstone pancreatitis were evaluated prospectively for study eligibility. Sixty patients met the randomization criteria. Thirty patients were randomized to routine preoperative ERCP and 29 patients to selective postoperative ERCP (1 patient refused). Age, admission laboratory values, and APACHE II and Imrie scores were similar in both groups. By protocol, ERCP was performed in all patients in the preoperative ERCP group. In the postoperative ERCP group, ERCP was necessary in only 7 of 29 patients (24%). Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the routine preoperative ERCP group (11.7 days) than in the selective postoperative ERCP group (9.0 days). Mean total cost was higher in the preoperative ERCP group ($9,426) than in the postoperative ERCP group ($7,798). The combined treatment failure rate was 10% in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with mild to moderate gallstone pancreatitis without cholangitis, selective postoperative ERCP and CBD stone extraction is associated with a shorter hospital stay, less cost, no increase in combined treatment failure rate, and significant reduction in ERCP use compared with routine preoperative ERCP.     

Management of suspected common bile duct stones in children: role of selective intraoperative cholangiogram and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Background

Evidence for diagnostic accuracy and clinical efficacy of intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones in children is sparse and unclear.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 202 children who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) between 1996 and 2002 was performed. Forty-eight children had suspected CBD stones on clinical, biochemical, and radiologic grounds. Two clinical pathways, LC followed by ERCP (L→E) versus ERCP followed by LC (E→L) were compared.

Results

From the cohort of 202 patients, 154 did not have suspected CBD stones. Of the 48 patients that did have suspected stones, 2 management pathways were followed: (1) ERCP first: 14 of 48 patients (including 1 failed examination). Three yielded positive findings on ERCP. Ten had negative findings on ERCP, 3 of which went on to have a subsequent IOC. All 3 had negative IOC examination findings. (2) LC ± IOC first: 34 of 48 patients. Twenty-eight had negative findings on IOC and had no further investigations. Three patients had positive IOC examination findings and went on to have postoperative ERCP. Two of these 3 patients were positive for CBD stones. The remaining 3 of 34 patients had LC with no IOC followed by ERCP. Only 1 of 3 patients yielded a positive examination finding on ERCP. Therefore, of the 168 patients that did not have IOC, only 1 stone (0.6%) would have been missed using the selective criteria. Of those that did meet the criteria for IOC, only 2 of 31 (6.5%) had positive examination findings. There were no adverse effects of a retained or passed stone during our study, nor where there complications in those who had a concomitant sphincterotomy (12 of 20 ERCP patients, mean follow-up of 4.2 years). IOC and ERCP findings correlated in all 6 of the patients in which both procedures were performed.

Conclusions

Selective IOC with LC is an acceptable and safe initial approach in suspected CBD. Most CBD stones in children pass spontaneously. Endoscopic sphincterotomy appears to be safe with no long-term sequelae.     

Current management of common bile duct stones: is there a role for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as a single-stage procedure?

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have revolutionized the management of secondary common bile duct (CBD) stones, the use of these modalities as a single-stage procedure remains controversial. The aim of this study is to determine whether LC and intraoperative ERCP as a single procedure has any advantages to LC and either preoperative or postoperative therapeutic ERCP performed in 2 stages. METHODS: A retrospective 5-year review involved all patients undergoing both LC and ERCP for management of CBD stones from January 1997 to December 2001. Patients were categorized into 3 groups: (1) preoperative ERCP, followed by LC (ERCP then LC); (2) LC, followed by postoperative ERCP (LC then ERCP); and (3) LC with intraoperative ERCP as a single procedure (LC/ERCP). RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were treated for secondary CBD stones. Forty-three patients underwent ERCP then LC, 10 underwent LC then ERCP, and 14 patients underwent LC/ERCP. There were no differences among the groups in terms of patient demographics or overall complication rates. CBD access and stone clearance was achieved in all 67 (100%) patients, with 1 mild ERCP-related complication in the ERCP-then-LC group. Overall complication rates, hospital length of stay, and total hospital charges were not statistically different among the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: Single-stage LC/ERCP provides efficacious therapy for CBD stones and may be beneficial in select patients who may not tolerate a second anesthetic procedure.     

Sequential endo-laparoscopic treatment in patients with common bile calculi

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones is gaining great acceptance worldwide, but actually it requires skills and technologies too expensive for a great part of general surgeons. So endoscopic removal of CBD stones before cholecystectomy is usually performed. Since 1991 in our department we started a policy of selective preoperative cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients suspected for choledocholithiasis and waiting for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A retrospective study has been made on a population of 1100 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the period between January 1991 and December 1997. They were 391 male and 719 female with a mean age of 52 years, 126 of whom (11.5%) were selected to have ERCP preoperatively because they had clinical, biochemical and ultrasound signs of the presence of common bile duct stones (CBDS). RESULTS: Successful cannulation of the CBD was achieved in 124 cases (98.4%), with failures due to ampullary diverticula. In 7 cases (5.5%) a precut was necessary to obtain cannulation. Sphincterotomy was performed in 113 patients (89.7%). In 93 patients (73.8%) stones were found (87 macrolithiasis and 6 microlithiasis); in 91 (97.8%) stones were removed in one (87) or two (4) endoscopic session. There were 2 major complications (one bleeding and one severe pancreatitis) due to ERCP or a sphincterotomy. Two patients developed symptoms from unsuspected common bile duct stones after LC and were removed endoscopically. No complications during LC were due to ERCP or ES. CONCLUSIONS: Selective preoperative ERCP is an effective way of clearing the CBD stones before laparoscopic cholecystectomy, with low rate of complications related to endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures, and short mean hospital stay (5.5 days), according to the concept of minimally invasive treatment.     

Intraoperative laparoscopic cholangiography -- when is it useful?

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), a decrease in the practice of intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) has been reported. Are there actually reasons for carrying on IOC during LC? Depending on the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones treatment a different IOC regime is recommended. If the single-stage laparoscopic extraction of ductal calculi during LC is preferred, routine IOC is generally necessary to detect all CBD stones for desobstruction via ductus cysticus or choledochotomy. When therapeutic splitting is favoured, including two-stage management with endoscopic desobstruction and later LC, routine IOC can be foregone. However, selective practice of IOC can help to reduce the rates of unnecessary preoperative investigations from 40-60 % to 20 % when postoperative endoscopic desobstruction demonstrates similar success rates of about 95 %. Regarding the preventive character of laparoscopic IOC to CBD injuries, a routine investigation should be adopted by institutions with injury rates > 0.4 % and in the learning phase of young surgeons. For all other institutions a selective practice should be recommended when difficult intraoperative conditions render recognition of the anatomical situation more difficult or for identification of dissected non-bleeding ducts near the triangle of Calot.     

Selective use of preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the era of laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background : The use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy is common. The associated morbidity can be significant. The present study determines significant predictors of CBD stones and improves the selection of patients for preoperative ERCP. Methods : All preoperative ERCP for suspected CBD stones in the year 1998 were studied retrospectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses of a number of clinical, biochemical and radiological variables were carried out to determine the best predictors of CBD stones. Results : A total of 112 patients had successful preoperative ERCP. Sixty‐one per cent of these were negative for stones and the morbidity was 9%. Univariate analysis revealed the following variables as predictors: cholangitis (P = 0.006), abnormal serum bilirubin ≥ 3 days (P = 0.002), serum alkaline phosphatase ≥ 130 U/L (P = 0.002), deranged liver function tests (P = < 0.001) and CBD diameter ≥ 8 mm (P = 0.009) with positive predictive values of 80%, 68%, 49%, 38% and 52%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed the model with the best ability to discriminate for CBD stones (P = 0.0005) was cholangitis, abnormal serum bilirubin for ≥ 3 days and CBD diameter ≥ 8 mm. The best predictors from this study had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 27%. Conclusions : The predictors of CBD stones are imprecise. Until laparoscopic exploration of CBD becomes widely available, ERCP prior to cholecystectomy will remain popular. The use of stricter selection criteria can reduce the number of negative preoperative ERCP.     

ERCP in association with laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background With the evolution of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) as the standard operation for benign gallbladder disease, the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has to be defined. Methods From November 1990 to April 1994 we attempted LC in 1,788 patients. Eighty-nine patients underwent ERCP preoperatively under the following indications: jaundice or a history of jaundice, cholangitis, gallstone pancreatitis, abnormal liver function tests, and a sonogram showing either CBD stones or a dilated CBD. With intent to minimize the number of unnecessary ERCPs only patients with jaundice, cholangitis, and high abnormalities on the liver function tests (LFTs) were directly referred for ERCP. All other patients with suspected choledocholithiasis were initially investigated with intravenous cholangiography (IVC) and tomography; only patients with positive findings on IVC subsequently underwent ERCP. Eighteen patients underwent ERCP postoperatively and the indications included jaundice, bile leak, and abnormal intraoperative cholangiogram. Results Of the 89 patients having ERCP preoperatively 54 patients (60.7%) were found to have CBD stones which were removed endoscopically in all cases except in one patient where a large CBD stone was removed during laparoscopic exploration of the CBD. Eight patients of the 18 patients having ERCP postoperatively were found to have CBD stones and all of them had their CBD cleared endoscopically. There were no mortalities, while four patients developed a mild pancreatitis. Conclusions Although there is an increasing tendency to clear the bile duct with a laparoscopic approach, ERCP and sphincterotomy has a certain role in conjunction with LC in the management of patients with a high suspicion of CBD stones, particularly in institutions where there is easy access to expert interventional endoscopic techniques.